Ballard Rifling??

I no longer have many of my old references, and I have a chance to buy an older post-war Marlin 39-A with Ballard Rifling.

I'm quite familiar with Marlin's "Micro-Groove" rifling and the later 39 series rifles, but I've long since forgotten exactly what Ballard rifling is compared to standard rifling.

Also, accuracy-wise, how does Ballard stack up to Micro-Groove?
Thanks.

If you enjoyed reading about "Ballard Rifling??" here in TheHighRoad.org archive, you'll LOVE our community. Come join TheHighRoad.org today for the full version!

Colt46

November 4, 2006, 12:08 AM

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that the micro groove rifling doesn't do well with cast lead bullets. The Ballard was employed in their 45/70 rifles specifically so cast bullets could be used.

Nematocyst

November 4, 2006, 12:27 AM

Df, I've been reading a lot about Marlin levers for a few weeks. Probably going to buy one soon (as early as tomorrow's gun show ... if I find the one that says, "take me home").

Anyway, mine will probably be a 336 in .30-30, and hence a microgroove, instead of a .45/70 (and hence a Ballard). Still, I've been reading about the distinction between microgroove and Ballard out of curiousity.

Here's an interesting page (http://www.leverguns.com/articles/fryxell/marlin_history.htm) on the distinction.